DENVER (KDVR) — Three juveniles dubbed the “panda bandits” have been arrested in connection with multiple burglaries, including one where a suspect was wearing a panda suit.
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office said the three suspects turned themselves in on Monday and are facing charges of second-degree burglary, criminal mischief and theft.
The charges stem from a string of burglaries at the Safeway gas station in Superior in November 2024.
Authorities asked for help in identifying the suspects, who were caught on camera burglarizing the business. It wasn’t an easy task because the footage was blurry, and one of the suspects was wearing a panda onesie.
“It’s very typical for somebody to cover up as much as they can, you know, with a hoodie, hats, masks — that type of thing. Have never really seen something like a panda costume being used,” Boulder County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Dave Salaman told NewsNation affiliate KDVR.
Police said there were two smash-and-grab burglaries at the gas station on 1603 Coalton Road last November.
The sheriff’s office said the suspects used rocks to smash a door and a window to steal tobacco and vaping products.